Hiking FAQ

What are popular hikes in the area?

• Cascades - a 4 mile round trip to a water fall. Rated as one of the 100 best day hikes in the US.
• Pandapas Pond - Pond with a 1 mile trail around the pond.  There are 30+ miles of hiking/mountain biking trails in the area near the pond. It is located within 6 miles of Blacksburg (10 minute drive).
• Peter's Mountain (Rice Fields) - a 5 mile round trip to a view that looks into West Virginia.  Part of the AT about a half hour from Blackburg.
• McAfees Knob - an 8 mile round trip hike to a view overlooking the Catawba valley.  One of the  most scenic parts of the AT. About 45 to one hour drive from Blacksburg.
• Dragons Tooth - an 5 mile round trip hike to a granite "tooth" rock formation that over looks the valley.  This is a part of the AT and the upper portion of the trail involves some rock scrambling. About 45 to one hour drive from Blacksburg.
• Tinker Cliffs - a 6 mile round trip hike to
• AT (Appalachian Trail) - The Appalachian Trail stretches over 2000 miles from Georgia to Maine.  About 500 miles of this are in Virginia.  The trail actually makes a very wide loop around Blacksburg - around 25 miles to the west, north and east of Blacksburg.
• Huckleberry Trail - Not so much hiking as a walking and biking trail connecting Blacksburg and Christiansburg.
• Other - There are many other trails in the area including along the Blue Ridge Parkway and on National Forest lands.

What wildlife might you encounter?

• The most common animals you may see are deer, squirrels and birds.  You are likely to see these in town as well if you go out in the early morning or late evening.  There are many other animals that are less common, but you might see including bear, snakes, skunks, beaver, frogs, turtles, opposum and others.

Is the wildlife dangerous?

• Bear - Occasionally we see bear.  Generally they run when they see or hear you.  They are not normally dangerous unless it is a mother with cubs.
• Snakes - The two poisonous snakes in the area are copperheads and rattle snakes.
• Skunks - They spray and leave a very bad smell that is difficult to remove.
• Turtles - Don't pick them up.  They can bite.
• Ticks - Probably the most dangerous thing you might encounter in the area.  They often carry Lyme disease. If bitten (burrows in to your skin) keep the tick (put it in scotch tape) and see a doctor. Use DEET as a repellant on your legs and pants.

What are safety concerns?

• There is generally no cell service in the areas you may be hiking. Sometimes there is service at the top of a ridge.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return and who you are hiking with.  Go with a friend.
• GPS on your phone should work.  Download a Google offline map for the area you will be hiking.
  

What should I bring?

• Water - Take water especially if it is warm.  Don't get dehydrated.
• Food - Most hikes take several hours to complete.  Take a snack along even if it is not over a meal time.
• Jacket - many of the hikes involve elevation gain (it will be colder at the top).  If the nights are cool you want to be prepared if you sprain an ankle and are out late.
• Sun screen - if you will be out in the open. Much of the hike will likely be in the woods, but some areas are open.
• Insect repellant - DEET for ticks (someone you hike with may have this)
• Pack - to carry the food, water and jacket
• Good shoes - you will want running or hiking shoes for most trails.  Smooth sole shoes can be dangerous.

How much time is involved?

• Most trailheads are half to one hour drive from Blacksburg
• Figure on one hour for every two miles of hiking if you have an average fitness level.
• If it is a destination (a view) then plan a half hour to an hour there.